In addition to conducting secondary research into the Senkaku/Diaoyu island dispute in the East China Sea and translating reports on shipping transport routes, Joel was also given the opportunity to assist with a Track 2 Meeting on Northeast Asian Cooperation that focused on developing infrastructure and energy projects. The meeting was attended by officials from the Asia Development Bank, APEC organizers, and the Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It was interesting to see that the meeting was much like the Monterey Model class I took last semester on human security," Joel said. "There was a panel of experts from several Northeast Asian countries that gave presentations and answered questions. I got to meet them and the professional interpreters in the booths who worked tirelessly to make sure everyone could have their ideas expressed. I felt much more comfortable at the meeting thanks to my experiences at MIIS.”